Dispatches from the space race

Rising rents killing off the ‘love nest’

The booming rental market is pushing many young couples into shared accommodation, a trend which is killing off the ‘love nest’, says flat-sharing website, easyroommate.co.uk.

Love Nest

Since May 2010, the number of couples looking to share a flat with other tenants has nearly doubled (91%). Couples looking to live with housemates now represent 11% of all flat-hunters.

The average room available to couples costs £426 per month, £24 more than a single occupant would pay.

Despite the premium, sharing a flat with others is 38% cheaper than having a whole place to themselves.

The monthly rent for the average UK property stands at £687 a month – £3,132 more expensive over the course of a year.

The number of landlords who are advertising rooms in flatshares for couples has risen to match the surging demand, with three times more rooms available (198% more) than a year ago.

However, despite this increase, the vast majority of live-in landlords do not cater for couples. Although one third of all rooms listed on easyroommate.co.uk include double beds, just 16% of flats will accept a couple.